The NSCN (IM) has threatened that the ceasefire agreement with the Government of India could break down if the security forces continue to arrest its cadres in Nagaland.

In the past four days,security forces have arrested as many as 14 people belonging to several groups,including NSCN (IM),for allegedly carrying firearms in violation of the 1997 ceasefire agreement.

Most of the arrests have been made in Tuensang town. Official sources in Kohima said a huge cache of arms and ammunition were recovered from their possession. It included 11 weapons several of which were of AK series,337 rounds of ammunition,explosives,radio communication sets,and fake currency notes of Rs 1.66 lakh. Security agencies said the cadres were planning to cause disturbance during the September 4 Noksen Assembly by-election.

The NSCN (IM),on the other hand,accused the security forces of violating the ceasefire rules that were applicable to both sides. While dismissing the allegations that his cadres had violated the agreement,convenor of the outfit,Kraibo Chawang,said the agreement has reached a dead end. Against the ceasefire rules,houses of most of our cadres have been raided,especially those in and around Dimapur, Chawang said and added that many NSCN (IM) members have been either arrested,jailed or killed.

The ceasefire agreement between the Government of India and NSCN (IM) was between two entities  Centre and NSCN (IM). How could one side enforce its decision without consulting the other? he said.

The outfit has also rubbished the remark made by Lt Gen (retd) N K Singh,chairman of the joint ceasefire monitoring group a joint mechanism,on Tuesday in which he said that the cadres of the outfits currently in peace talks with the Centre were banned from carrying the firearms.